Feb 24, 2010

Bossy’s Ear Worm

Welcome to Bossy’s Ear Worm, which features songs currently in Bossy’s headphones. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

The Flamingos, I Only Have Eyes For You.

The first thing you should know is Bossy has no particular reverence for songs recorded in the 1950s, even if that song was written in 1934. Doo wop has just never been a favorite — everything in this era usually sounds a little too White for Bossy, even when recorded by black artists.

But this song always gets Bossy where she lives. And sorry if this is a little technical.

First of all, what a sweet intro guitar chord progression. Next, Bossy loves the phrasing:

My love must be a kind… of blind love
I can’t see anyone but you

How very cool to begin the song with such a staggered phrase, and the fact it’s comprised of only two lines and not the traditional four.

Next: these particular backing vocals comprise Bossy’s favorite of all times, with the possible exception of Lou Reed’s Walk On The Wild Side.

And then there’s the simple syncopation of piano, like a metronome throughout the song. And the almost Hawaiian-influenced guitar chords, which Bossy also has never admired. Never say never.

Are the stars out tonight
I don’t know if it’s cloudy or bright
I only have eyes for you, dear

I don’t know if we’re in a garden
Or on a crowded avenue

But Bossy’s favorite thing about this song above all other things is despite the fact the main vocal monkeys around, the backing vocals ride the root throughout.

You are here
And so am I
Maybe millions of people go by
But they all disappear from view
And I Only Have Eyes For You

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8 comments

1. 1
   on February 25th, 2010 at 9:18 am
   furiousBall said:

   this reminds me of late sunday night drives home from my grandparent’s south philadelphia row house, forehead against the cold, rain spotted window. thank you.


2. 2
   on February 25th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
   BossysMom said:

   Bossy…my time to say thank you..We have basically the same taste in tunes, but I could never point out why I love a tune…these music analysis’ of yours are spot on and have me going….yeah, yeah, yeah…thats why it’s so brilliant.


3. 3
   on February 25th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
   Chrissy said:

   Shoo bop shoo bop!

   A teenage boyfriend sang this one for me on a nightime walk in the park once.


4. 4
   on February 25th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
   hjustin said:

   This is a bit odd, but the “seat belt” warning in BMWs sounds exactly like the opening chords of this song! Seriously, pay attention the next time you find yourself in a BMW.


5. 5
   on February 26th, 2010 at 8:59 am
   Debbie in GA said:

   Thank you–haven’t heard this in awhile. It has to be one of the most romantic songs ever.


6. 6
   on February 26th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
   deb f said:

   First dance with my new hubs (20 years ago). LOVE that song.


7. 7
   on March 1st, 2010 at 2:52 pm
   Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy said:

   Reminds me of my dad and his reel to reels. Romantic songs today just don’t sound the same.


8. 8
   on March 3rd, 2010 at 2:45 pm
   Barb said:

   This is my wedding song (26 years ago). I had a band but wouldn’t let them play it…had to be the Flamingos. I still love it more than any other.